CRUISE ON S.S. WAHINE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1808, 22 July 1913, Page 6

CRUISE ON S.S. WAHINE.

ROUND THE HARBOUR.

THE GOVERNOR ON BOARD.

Between 300 and 400 guests responded l to tlio invitation of the directors of tho Union Steam Ship Company yesterday afternoon, and went for a two hours' run ill tlio company's now l'crry steamer, tho Wahinc, a sister-ship to the Maori. Tho guests included, his Excellency tho Governor (Lord Liverpool), tlio prime Minister (Hon. W. F. Massey), the Minister for Marine (Hon. F. M. li. Fisher), chairman of tho Harbour Board (.Mr. It. Fletcher), the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Luke), Mr. F. \V. Lang (Speaker of tho House), Sir Robert Stout, Air. I). Robertson, (Public Service Commissioner), .Mr. Patterson (Superintendent Engineer of tho Union Company), Captain Stotfc (Marino Superintendent), Captain Johnstone (Harbourmaster), members of the Houso of Representatives and tho Legislative Council, and many prominent shipping officials. Tho visitors were welcomed on board by Mr. T. W. Whitson, acting-manager of tho Union Steam Ship Company, and w.ere escorted over all parts of the vessel.

Shortly after 2.30 p.m. tho Waliine drew gently out from Queen's Wharf, and in brilliant weather proceeded down tho harbour. The wharf was crowded with sightseers to watcli tho ferry boat get away, and the scene was, in every way, a. rather striking one. The clean-cut "flier," resplendent ill the company's distinctive bronze green, and whito upper works, flew whole lockers of bunting, and there was hardly a ripple on the sea. A breeze blew off tho land, and the sun the warmth of a spring day. The outward course was round Point llalswell, and thence through tho heads. A sped of 18 knots quickly tarried tho Waliine to the open sea, where an almost imperceptible swell gently rocked tho vessel. The run out took about three-quarters of an hour, and then the beautiful ship, after a wide 6Wcep, reentered tho harbour, and Captain Aldwell took his command round Somes Island. When well past the island, tho vessel, without slackening speed, turned completely round, tho manoeuvre being accomplished in seamanliko manner. It was just after 4.30 p.m. when the ship again drew up at Queen's Wharf. During the course of tho afternoon, tea was provided on deck, and a string band added its attraction. Later many couples indulged in dancing on. one of the spacious after-decks of tho l>oat, which had been specially prepared for this purpose. Numerous photographs were taken during tho afternoon, and a kinematograph operator also recorded different phases of the cruise. Prior to the vessel returning an informal gathering was held in the smoke-room, and the toast of "The Union Steam Ship Company," proposed by Mr. Massey, was cordially honoured, tho toast being coupled with the' name of Mr. T. W. Whitson (secretary to the Union Steam Ship Company), who was their official representative for tho occasion. It goes almost without saying that the companies guests on board enjoyed the proceedings. His Excellency expressed himself as having thoroughly enjoyed tho trip.